New Jersey soil temperature
Estimated 2–4 inch soil temperature, statewide average . Based on NOAA weather stations near representative New Jersey locations.
Data details
What this soil temperature means for your New Jersey lawn
The current New Jersey reading loads from today's R2 snapshot. Use the live value above or enter your ZIP code for a location-specific recommendation.
New Jersey soil is still cold. Grass seed will not germinate reliably below 50°F, and most lawn chemicals are on hold. The main job now is planning: spring pre-emergent goes down as soil approaches 55°F — in New Jersey, typically early april to late april.
Track your exact ZIP above, and see when to apply pre-emergent in New Jersey for the full spring playbook.
New Jersey soil is in the 50–65°F action band — the range where the big timing decisions happen. Crabgrass germinates as soil holds 55°F and above, so spring pre-emergent is either due or already late. It is also the germination range for cool-season grass seed and the recovery range for core aeration.
Check pre-emergent timing for New Jersey, or the state pages for overseeding and aeration to act on this window.
New Jersey soil is warm (65–80°F). Spring pre-emergent windows have passed, and it is too warm to start cool-season seed. This is peak season for warm-season growth — and for soil-driven pest timing: grub eggs hatch in warm midsummer soil.
Check grub control timing for New Jersey, and plan ahead for fall: overseeding and aeration open up as soil cools back through 72°F.
New Jersey soil is hot (above 80°F). Skip seeding and aeration — heat stress makes establishment and recovery unreliable. Warm-season lawns (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue) are in peak growth; cool-season lawns are in survival mode and need height and water, not projects.
Use the wait to plan fall work: overseeding and aeration in New Jersey start once soil falls back toward 72°F.
Estimated soil temperature at New Jersey locations
| ZIP code | Est. soil temp | Data through |
|---|---|---|
| 07101 | — | Loading… |
| 08601 | — | Loading… |
| 07302 | — | Loading… |
| 08901 | — | Loading… |
Values load from each ZIP's nearest NOAA station in the current R2 snapshot. Enter your own ZIP above for a reading closer to home.
How New Jersey compares to the rest of the country
Estimated 2–4 inch soil temperature by state . Tap a state for its detailed page.
About New Jersey lawns
New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-7b, with a cool-season lawn climate. Common grass types include Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue.
These estimates are modeled from air temperature (about ±5°F at 2–4 inch depth — methodology). For local agronomic guidance, see the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Common New Jersey soil temperature questions
What is the current soil temperature in New Jersey?
This page shows a statewide estimated 2–4 inch soil temperature for New Jersey, recomputed daily from NOAA weather station records, plus per-ZIP estimates for representative New Jersey locations. Enter your ZIP code for the reading nearest you.
At what soil temperature should I apply pre-emergent in New Jersey?
Apply pre-emergent when New Jersey soil temperatures approach 55°F at a 2–4 inch depth in spring — crabgrass germinates as soil holds 55°F and above. In New Jersey that typically happens early april to late april.
What soil temperature does grass seed need in New Jersey?
Cool-season grasses germinate best in 50–65°F soil, while warm-season grasses want 65–80°F. Common New Jersey lawns (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue) should be seeded when soil enters the right range for their type — check the current estimate above.
How accurate is this New Jersey soil temperature estimate?
It is modeled from air temperatures with a published lag model, not measured by in-ground sensors, and is typically within about ±5°F at 2–4 inch depth. Shade, moisture, and snow cover shift real readings; for precise numbers use a soil thermometer or Rutgers Cooperative Extension resources.